On the Prowl

The Detroit Tigers won their 11th straight game Tuesday night behind yet another gem from likely American League Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander, who pushed his record to 23-5 with seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. What that winning streak proves, however, is that the Tigers are more than a one-man show. In fact, their success has had more to do with scoring runs than preventing them, a fact that has been overshadowed by Verlander’s award-worthy season.

The Tigers’ hot streak also stretches back much further than the last 11 games. Detroit has gone 29-11 (.725) over its last 40 games dating back to the beginning of August, the best record of any team in baseball over that time. Research has shown that coming into the playoffs hot is no guarantee of post-season success, but the Tiger’s aren’t just hot, they’re very good. Detroit possesses a potent offense, an emerging No. 2 starter to complement Verlander and a a bullpen that is anchored by closer Jose Valverde, who has yet to blow this season.

Who knows? Maybe the Tigers go to the Whirled Serious. One thing is for sure, though, Valverde will blow at least one game along the way.

[3] Hitting can be grown into. He didn't have the anticipated power coming out of the gate, but he's got a lot of other things going for him and he's not in his prime yet. If he could hit for power already, Curtis is still a Tiger. I anticipate him being Curtis' replacement four or five years from now.

[15] I'm not saying Curtis didn't have power, I'm saying Austin can still develop a power stroke (without the help of enhancements) and be like Curtis. Curtis was already advanced, indeed, but there's time for catchup if he gets into the right mechanics.